The SPX and COMP both secured fresh peaks

Crude futures notched a second consecutive loss today, as oil prices fell after a pair of lackluster economic reports. Specifically, the government noted a sharp decrease in durable goods orders, while home prices fell near a nine-year low. These lackluster reports raised concerns that oil's recent rally to multi-month highs was overdone, prompting many traders to take some profits off the table. As a result, April-dated oil swallowed a loss of $2.01, or 1.9%, to finish at $106.55 per barrel.

Meanwhile, gold futures rallied today, ending a two-day losing streak. A softer U.S. dollar supported the precious metal, as the euro gained ground in anticipation of Wednesday's long-term refinancing operation (LTRO) by the European Central Bank (ECB). By the close, gold for April delivery climbed by $13.50, or 0.8%, to end at $1,788.40 an ounce -- its highest settlement since November.

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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 17,976.31) spent the whole day in the green. At its session peak, the blue-chip barometer was up 296 points, before settling with a 263.7-point, or 1.5%, gain. All but two of the Dow's 30 components closed higher, led by a 2.6% pop for Boeing Co (NYSE:BA). On the flip side, Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) gave back 1.7%, while Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) ended down 0.02%.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 17,712.66) dipped below breakeven in early trading, but eventually ended with a gain of 34.4 points, or 0.2%. Eighteen of the index's 30 blue chips finished higher, led by Intel Corporation's (NASDAQ:INTC) late-day, M&A-inspired gain of 6.4%. Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) and Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM) paced the 12 laggards as oil backpedaled, both surrendering 0.9%. For the week, the Dow dropped 2.3%.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 17,678.23) was down almost 140 points at its session low, but ultimately pared its loss to 40.3 points, or 0.2%, for a fourth straight drop. Of the Dow's 30 components, seven moved higher, led by International Business Machines Corp.'s (NYSE:IBM) 0.9% gain. American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) was the biggest loser, dropping 2%.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 17,718.54) sank lower and lower throughout the session, giving up the 18,000 level. At the close, the Dow was down 292.6 points, or 1.6%, for the day. Of the Dow's 30 components, only Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) and Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) managed to finish positive. The "biggest loser" crown went to tech titan Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) and its 3.4% drop.